New PC or Used PC?

[DeadTom]

I am currently running an old Dell with a PIII 500mhz and less than 1mb memory, it is at it's limit.
I can get a new computer from BestBuy for $329, but it is running Windows 7, so another $70 for Windows XP making this $400 total.
I can also get an older used Dell compter from The Used Computer Warehouse that is a Pentium 4 2.7 ghz with 1gb and already running XP for $400 also.
Kinda seems like a no brainer, but what would you guys purchase.
Thanks,
Tom

[Hood]

I am not a fan of Dells but I am sure there are plenty who love them. Personally I would build a computer to suit Mach, ie no need for a really fancy graphics card, probably no real need for a huge hard drive etc etc so could likely keep the costs down.

Hood

[edvaness]

No used Dell is worth 400.00  .LOL
Find some thing else used with 1 ghz proc. But , not an Emachine.
XP works fine. You should find something for about 200.

[Hood]

Ed did you mean to put the "used" in as I was thinking along the same lines but would not have put that word in

Hood

[ger21]

I use an old Dell GX150 PIII 1 Ghz. Motherboards with processors are about $25 on Ebay. Be aware that you'll need a Dell power supply. Another $10-$15.

[edvaness]

H    D, your absolutely right. I really meant " No Dell is worth"

I've been building pc's from junkers , and the Dells are JUNK. 

[RICH]

Hmm.....
We have used Dells at work for the last 15 years and they work fine ( hundreds of them ) and I have two at home that are great for everything. 

BUT 

I wouldn't give a penny  ( sorry let me change the wording ) "wouldn't take one for free"  if it was going to be used to be used for CNC / Mach using the PP.

FWIW,
RICH

[DeadTom]

Thanks you guys for your honesty, I kind of felt like saying to the owner of the Used Computer Warehouse that he is absolutley crazy for the prices he is charging for his used stuff.
I have a small network of 4 desktops and 3 laptops at home but they all serve a purpose where they are so it looks like I am going to buy another computer.  The last computer I built was a PIII 800mhz for video editing, that was a number of years ago when that was a hot setup.
Tom

[edvaness]

Tom, mach will run fine on a 800mhz processor. See if you can get a copy of XP LITE. It's a stripped down copy of xp. without all the extra crap. Dedicate this pc just for mach, and your good to go.

Rich , as far as Dells, they are fine when they work, but the mb, are not compatible with any other case's, they have different plug ins. and I hate Dells cases.